Instrument for measuring the consistency of high-consistency materials

Abstract

An instrument for measuring the consistency of high-consistency materials such as heavy liquids, semi-liquids, and semi-pastes which comprises a tube section flared at the bottom which is immersed vertically into a volume of the material until it has been completely covered and the inside completely filled. The tube is then withdrawn slowly and the amount of the material retained on the entire surface of the tube at the end of the drip cycle following its withdrawal is a measure of its consistency and this is weighed by means of a scale attached to the tube by a bale type handle on the tube, the latter also facilitating immersion of the tube.

I claim: 
     
       1. An instrument for measuring the consistency of high-consistency materials comprising a cylindrical tube which is flared at one end and an inverted springy U-shaped bale the legs of which terminate in turned end portions and engage diametrically spaced holes through the tube wall at a distance from the flared end less than one half the length of the tube, said bale serving to assist complete immersion into and withdrawal from a volume of the material to be measured, the amount of the material retained on the entire surface of said tube at the end of the drip cycle following its withdrawal being a measure of its consistency. 
     
     
       2. An instrument as defined in claim 1 for measuring the consistency of high-consistency materials wherein said tube is made from a hard, polished and relatively thin aluminum. 
     
     
       3. An instrument as defined in claim 1 for measuring the consistency of high-consistency materials wherein said U-shaped bale is made from hard aluminum to develop a springy characteristic. 
     
     
       4. An instrument as defined in claim 1 for measuring the consistency of high-consistency materials and which further includes a scale connectible to said bale for weighing the amount of the material retained on the entire surface of said tube at the end of the drip cycle following its withdrawal.